Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, revealing plans to retire from professional football within the next two years.
The 40-year-old made the announcement during an interview at the Tourism Summit in Riyadh, where he spoke candidly about his future and career milestones.
“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo said when asked if the 2026 World Cup—set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico—would be his last. “I will be 41 years old, and I think this will be the moment in the big competition.”
Currently plying his trade with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the world’s all-time leading men’s international goalscorer with 143 goals for Portugal. Across club and country, he has netted an extraordinary 953 goals and remains determined to reach the 1,000-goal milestone before calling time on his career.
Ronaldo, who has enjoyed an illustrious journey with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, hinted that the end is drawing near. “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game,” he added.
Having led Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016, Ronaldo has won nearly every honour available in football—except the elusive World Cup. His confirmation marks the beginning of what many consider the final chapter of one of the most remarkable careers in sporting history.
